Cabinet to vote on aid for home front

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the cabinet this afternoon to vote on a series of financial measures to assist residents affected by Operation Protective Edge.

The plan, presented by Netanyahu in conjunction with Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, recommends paying an advance to employers toward the compensation of reserve duty, as well as to soldiers in the reserves who are independent contractors, students, and unemployed.

The proposal will also cover special costs incurred to local authorities due to the campaign. It will push forward the construction of 500 new shelters, found a new blood bank for the Magen David Adom, provide compensation to businesses hurt by the ongoing campaign, and boost the tourism, health, and welfare sectors in the south.